Preparations are already underway for Hastings' popular Jack-in-the-Green festivities. The colourful festival, complete with green 'bogies', Morris dancers, May queens and carnival giants, not forgetting Jack, the all important dancing bush, traditionally marks the start of summer 'Hastings style', and will take place from Friday, May 3 to Monday 6, launching a whole programme of spectacular annual events that Hastings is quickly gaining a name for.
 

The main event, which draws in a huge influx of visitors, involves a multitude of colourful characters processing through the winding streets of the Old Town before heading up to the West Hill for the traditional slaying of the Jack and the unleashing of the spirit of summer on Bank Holiday Monday (May 6). It is believed that Jack-in-the-Green brings in an estimated £5 million to the local economy each year.  

The festivities start on the Friday (May 3) when local Morris groups make their way up to the West Hill in the funicular railway to 'dance in' the sunrise. The evening's entertainment at St Mary-in-the-Castle from 8pm features local folk band favourites.
 

On the Saturday, starting at Winkle Island on The Bourne, Morris dancers will perform in the Old Town, including Mad Jack's Morris and Hannah's Cat. The ceilidh on Saturday evening gives the opportunity for the massed bands of Morris men and women to let their hair down.

The Jack-in-the-Green exhibition will be held at the History House, Courthouse Street, in the Old Town, from late April to early May.

For a taste of what you'll see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRJTpgjCNXk&list=UUbIzEGd-DlC79Ggu9zBbOOg&index=7

With Hastings & Bexhill's bid to be City of Culture 2017 well underway, Jack in the Green is the perfect example of one of the many rich cultural experiences that this part of East Sussex offers. Hastings' Jerwood Gallery has just celebrated its first birthday and is due to host Jake and Dinos Chapman as part of the 2013 Museums at Night initiative. Big sis, the De La Warr Pavilion, shines bright on beautiful Bexhill seafront, and continues to showcase the best of contemporary British art installations and plays host to national and international 'alternative' names. The rich hinterland which includes the nearby towns of Battle and Rye, and attractions such as Kipling's Bateman's make Hastings & 1066 Country an ideal short break destination. 

We welcome press trips to Hastings & 1066 Country. Please get in touch!

Notes to editor: Hastings & 1066 Country comprises the coast and countryside in and around the towns of Battle, Bexhill, Camber (Sands), Hastings & St Leonards, Herstmonceux, Pevensey and Rye & Winchelsea.

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Please contact: Jane Ellis    
01424 451113   
jmellis@hastings.gov.uk